From CCLR to CORE, eye research centre sharpens its focus

For nearly three decades, the world’s optometry and ophthalmology communities have partnered with the Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR) at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science on pioneering studies. Beginning in January 2018, the organization will adopt a new name: the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE).

“We have been fortunate to work with a broad range of sponsors and collaborators on many of the most dynamic developments in the field,” said the centre's Director Lyndon Jones. “Every day, our team dedicates itself to improving global eye health and vision through advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. CORE reflects our capacity to do so with uncompromising independence, by adopting the highest quality standards, and collaborating with world leaders in diverse research areas. It speaks to who we have become without forgetting where we began.”

A new logo echoes CORE’s primary focus on the eye. Interlocking elements in distinct blue, green, and orange colours represent biosciences, clinical research and education expertise, coming together in support of its mission.

“We continue to partner with innovators in contact lens technologies on myriad programs, including materials formulation, care products, comfort initiatives, myopia control, dry eye, drug delivery and education. Yet we are also working with major and emerging pharmaceuticals companies, digital technology giants, and academic institutions around the world on complex and fascinating initiatives that hold incredible potential for vision correction and enhancement,” continued Jones.

The CORE brand was premiered at the American Academy of Optometry’s 96th annual meeting, which began this week in Chicago. In conjunction, CORE commissioned Los Angeles-based artist John Park to co-create a massive 12-foot x 8-foot acrylic mural during the meeting, depicting the complexity and potential of the eye and sight. Conference attendees are being invited to visit the CORE booth, don a protective lab coat, and add their own distinctive brush strokes to the portrait. The mural will be completed on the show floor on Friday, October 13, then formally unveiled at an evening reception. It will be permanently installed at CORE headquarters at the School of Optometry & Vision Science.

The official CORE name change will occur following final ratification by the University of Waterloo Board of Governors.

Pharmacy student named Minister of National Defence for a day

Pharmacy student Munaza Saleem and Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan walk to the House of Commons for Question Period. Photo credit Jordan Owens.

Doctor of Pharmacy student Munaza Saleem was selected from an applicant pool of young women across Canada to step into the role of Minister of National Defence for a day. Saleem is part of the Canadian #GirlsBelongHere initiative and one of 17 youth who are paired with government leaders, CEOs, and executives to illustrate every girl’s right to belong in influential roles.

The Girls Belong Here campaign is to celebrate International Day of the Girl on October 11 and is part of Plan International’s global initiative which has over 500 participants in 60 countries. The purpose of the campaign is to put young leaders in positions of power to inspire girls to break down gender barriers preventing them from following their dreams. Saleem was first involved with Plan International Canada as part of the Because I am a Girl Speaker’s Bureau three years ago, where she delivered motivational speeches on female empowerment and creating positive change.

Saleem began her day meeting Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. After that, she headed to the National Defense Headquarters to meet with the Minister’s executive staff including Zita Astravas, the Defence Minister’s Chief of Staff, and Jody Thomas, Senior Associate Deputy Minister for the Department of National Defence.

“We had a discussion on the new Joint Suicide Prevention Strategy and the mental health of veterans and soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces. It was incredibly inspiring to talk to such accomplished and empowered women,” says Saleem. “They gave me sound advice on being a woman in politics and government, a career option I’m open to exploring as an aspiring pharmacist.”

Saleem then prepped for Question Period with the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, Press Secretary Jordan Owens, and Director of Parliamentary Affairs Louis Landry.

Student Service Centre build delayed

The fall term is well on its way and while we have not been able to begin the physical build of the Student Service Centre (SSC), a lot of behind-the-scenes work has been done. You can learn about accomplishments to date from the October 2017 Project Update video.

began the transition of core office employees to Skype for Business from traditional phone systems

confirmed the set of services from the core offices that will be offered in the centre

submitted ideal build requirements for the centre and three core departments to WalterFedy

completed an infrastructure assessment of Needles Hall

Now that we know our ideal build requirements are out of scope, the Steering Committee is re-evaluating its approach while remaining fully committed to the key deliverable of this project: To improve student service delivery on campus.

While we revise plans for the build, work will continue to improve service processes and implement service changes in existing offices. We are also exploring opportunities to include front-line services from Student Financial Services into the centre.